Liberty

A white boy's love for a dog crosses social divisions in this World War II story. It's New Orleans in the 1940s. World War II is raging, Jim Crow laws are in effect, and neighbors sit on front porches seeking respite from the heat. Fish Elliott and his sister, Mo, are anxiously awaiting the return of their father from Europe and dreading the daily rounds of the telegram delivery boy. Whether it is a rabbit trap designed to save his neighbor's victory garden or a contraption he uses to strengthen his polio-damaged leg, Fish loves to invent things. In a world where women are not allowed to be engineers, blacks and whites go to separate schools, and Germans are seen as evil, Fish's inventions help bridge gender, racial, and culture divides. When Fish and his African-American neighbor Olympia find a stray hound, they are determined to take her in. But when an unscrupulous neighbor steals her, they need the help of a German POW to rescue her and her newborn pups. In this companion to Duke (2013) and Dash (2014), Larson once again creates an engaging story that is rich in historical details. She purposefully captures both the fear and the hope in a world torn by war as well as the simple love of a boy for his dog. Practically perfect. (Historical fiction. 8-12) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

August 1, 2016

Gr 3-6-A tale of determination set in World War II-era New Orleans. Fish Elliott dreams of being an inventor, but that sometimes seems out of reach for a kid who lost his mother at birth, has had polio, and lives with his sister while his dad is fighting overseas. Fish's latest invention not only brings him to the attention of a prominent local businessman, it leads him to a stray dog that needs a home. Fish works with his friend and neighbor Olympia to rescue the dog, whom Fish names Liberty, and discover what being brave is all about. Although this may seem like a simple "boy and his dog" story at first glance, it takes on a number of deeper issues. Olympia is African American, and her friendship with Fish is atypical for the 1940s setting. Fish witnesses some of the racism of his neighbors (albeit from a distance) and shows some insight when he takes Olympia to an event and realizes how uncomfortable it must be for her to be one of the very few nonwhite people there. The war is ever present in the narrative, with nearly every family having someone serving, in training, or working in a new role on the home front. Larson also weaves in a parallel plotline about a young German prisoner of war who ends up in a prison camp in New Orleans and then encounters Fish and Olympia. VERDICT A slice-of-life tale for historical fiction fans and animal lovers alike. Recommended for school and public libraries.-Heather Webb, Worthington Libraries, OH

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2016
Grades 3-6 Fish Elliott invents things out of piles of junk. One of his inventions inspires an engineer at the boatyard where his older sister works in support of the war effort, and this contribution makes Fish feel useful in spite of a leg crippled by polio. After hearing a neighbor threaten a stray hound, Fish decides to adopt the dog and names her Liberty. When his new friend Olympia accidentally frees Liberty from her cage, Fish discovers that the mean neighbor has trapped her and plans to drown her puppiesand Fish can't let that happen. Larson's latest gently touches upon serious themes of war and disability. While the relationship between Fish and his sister is sweet, it feels odd that their father has voluntarily left his disabled child. Also peculiar is how some chapters are told from the perspective of Erich, a German prisoner of war. Although Erich eventually helps Fish rescue Liberty from LaVache's property, the focus on his character does not feel vital. Give to young readers who have a heart for dogs or historical fiction.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)